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For the first time in more than a decade, Florida A&M’s women’s athletic program is on top of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Not just a specific program, like softball or cross country, either. The entire program on Wednesday earned the conference’s Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s All-Sports Award, which is given to the most dominant women’s program in the conference.

Senior Woman Administrator Angela Suggs, who accepted the award on behalf of the department, called the accomplishment “amazing.”

“This is the first time we’ve won it outright since 2001 and the coaches that we work with are just very strong and committed professionals,” Suggs said. “They’re very strategic in their efforts each day. They truly care about the students in a well-rounded way. When you put that into your efforts, this is the outcome.”

The awards is given based on a points system. FAMU’s women’s program earned 95.5 points, thanks to a fifth-consecutive MEAC title in cross country and fourth-straight softball championship. FAMU’s volleyball team also won its division and finished second in indoor track and field.

North Carolina A&T State placed second with 90 points, followed by Bethune-Cookman (83.5), Hampton (82.5) and Norfolk State (76.5). FAMU shared the award last year.

“I would like extend congratulations to Florida A&M University and Interim President Dr. Larry Robinson, Director of Athletics Milton Overton and all of the outstanding individuals including staff, coaches and student-athletes who were involved in winning the Mary McLeod Bethune Award,” said MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas in a statement.

FAMU’s athletic program was also awarded $20,000. Suggs said some of those funds will be used for student athletes in summer school.

“We are having academic success as well as athletic success,” Suggs said. “That’s definitely something for Rattler Nation to be proud of.

“We’ve had very strong years, definitely the past two years, three even. Cross country coming in with their fifth consecutive championship, softball with four, several Coaches of the Year for their regular-season schedule. Winning helps. It’s always good when we can come out collectively with the most points."

Suggs added it’s no coincidence FAMU’s has experienced more success under Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr., who will start his third year at the helm in August.

“He’s a huge supporter and champion – pun intended – for women’s sports,” Suggs said. “Each and every goal we have in terms of how we carry out our day to day activities, is definitely driven with excellence. He is the director of that vision.”